Lisa Wilkinson 'demands $2 million' to stay on The Project
She’s gained a loyal following since jumping ship from Channel Nine to Network 10 two years ago.
And now Lisa Wilkinson is reportedly keen to extend her stay at her new television home, for a multi-million dollar price tag.
The move would extend the 59-year-old’s already-lucrative contract which was first inked following her shock departure from Today in late 2017.
Art of the deal
“Before Lisa went on holidays to Italy [in July], she gave them an ultimatum about The Project and her network contract,” a source told TV Blackbox.
“She wants $2 million to sign on again for two more years.”
Yahoo Lifestyle has contacted Network 10 for comment.
According to the site, run by ex-10 producer Rob McKnight, the veteran journalist loves the new gig which sees her co-host The Sunday Project and often undertake the country’s most high-profile interviews.
“Lisa is now one of the biggest stars on that network and there’s no doubt Lisa is happier with her new life over at 10,” McKnight wrote.
“She might not have the ratings, but she has the respect and she is getting some big-name interviews.”
Settling in
But despite the near-universal positive reception from viewers, Lisa’s run at The Project hasn’t been without controversy.
Rumours were quick to swirl during last month’s 10th anniversary TV special after co-host Peter Helliar quipped on air the program’s panel were happy to have Lisa on ‘their show’.
According to The Australian, Lisa “shuffled off the set” of the program a little while after Peter told her on air, “We love having you on our show”.
The publication claimed “she was not sighted again, either during the 90-minute-plus extravaganza or the after-party”.
However, neither Lisa or the other stars of the show have confirmed this was the case.
The apparent misstep comes almost two years after Lisa joined the program, shortly after exiting Nine due to the network reportedly failing to match her pay with that of co-host Karl Stefanovic.
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